Kristen Shannon
O'Connor
Assistant Director/Area Director
Simmons Hall
Kristen is a Massachusetts native, hailing from Foxboro. Kristen received her bachelor's degree in psychology in 2013 from Keene State College in New Hampshire. While at KSC, she was a resident assistant and worked in the Mason Library. Kristen moved to Boston to continue her studies at Suffolk University, and while there worked in the Office of Residence Life & Housing as well as the Student Leadership & Involvement Office. Kristen completed her master's degree in mental health counseling, as well as a master's degree in crime and justice studies in 2016. Kristen went on to work in substance abuse and mental health in both prison and outpatient settings, while completing her certificate of advanced graduate studies in 2017. Kristen comes to MIT in hopes to encourage students to seek mental health and substance abuse treatment early, to reduce stigma, and to support and connect students with helpful offices on campus.
Kristen is an avid fan of Harry Potter books and movies, and visited the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios in Florida for the first time in 2017. Kristen also enjoys the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings films, but needs some added encouragement to finish the book series.
